Vera mentions an entry in her diary from August 3, 1914 on war and how difficult it is to grasp the meaning of what is taking place. Edward arrives home since his military camp is disbanded telling them of trains full of troops. The towns people begin panic buying and stockpiling food. Vera knows that Edward could be called for home defense at any time. Edward needs his father's permission to join the military since he is underage and his father will not consent.

Vera gives up on Oxford and passes the exams for the First Aid and Home Nursing positions. Roland is refused a commission because of his poor eyesight and Edward finally receives his father's permission to apply for officers' training. Vera is thinking of Roland in a more romantic way now. She goes to Oxford in October while Roland, Victor and Edward are still...